Spicy Noodles and Gentle Advice
"But you can tell just by looking, right? The bill for this place won't be cheap."
"We're here to treat you, so don't worry about it."
"In that case, I'll just have one bowl of your signature spicy noodles!"
Damn, this couple is just too likable. To be honest, that was just me testing the waters. I'd heard that even a vice-commander like Bijong from the Patrol Division didn't have a super generous salary, no matter his rank.
And yet, in the game, Yurin was the type who scrimped and saved what little she had to regularly look after the kids at the orphanage. Recalling that now made even talking about it feel good.
"Something spicy sounds perfect today."
"The young master must love spicy food, huh?"
"Of course! A real man has to handle the heat, right?"
I'll take one serving of those spicy noodles with chili oil.
Yeah, I'd heard spicy flavor hits the pain receptors. So enduring that proves you can tough out pain—that's the path of a true man.
"Bijong can't handle spicy stuff well. If there are people around, he acts all cool, but sometimes he sticks out his tongue and pants like a dog when no one's looking."
"Ah, why bring that up here!"
"Who was it that was chugging water all night last time~?"
"Ahem, cough. It's nothing, young master."
Once their bickering stopped and we placed our orders, the busy server soon plunked down steaming bowls of noodles, stir-fried meat, and grilled fish on the table without a word before vanishing.
"Dig in!"
Bowls of noodles, stir-fried meat, grilled fish—spicy, salty dishes that instantly whetted the appetite.
But their harmony didn't stop at just spicy and salty.
Unlike me, who went straight for the meat, Bijong and Yurin both reached for the fish at the same time.
They froze for a split second, then started yielding to each other before one picked it up and the other filleted it, splitting it evenly.
They took pieces to their own bowls and diligently picked out the bones. Just as it seemed they'd eat, they both reached out at the same moment, placing de-boned bits into each other's bowls.
"What?"
"No, I was just deboning it for you."
Yurin glanced my way for a moment, then composed her expression, nudged Bijong's arm with her elbow, and quietly popped a piece of fish into her mouth.
Bijong didn't say anything, but his face was smiling.
Yeah, it felt like a habit honed over years, not something new.
Ugh, this won't do.
Suddenly, I craved a drink. What was that stuff the general store guy Gwakssi told me about last time? Rocks on the Rocks or something?
"Mind if I order a drink?"
Bijong nodded at my request.
"Server! One Rocks on the Rocks here!"
"You mean Rakshasa on the Rocks? Got it!"
The order came quick—a glass of liquor shimmering with a pale yellow glow. This must be the stuff that's been all the rage among enthusiasts lately.
I knocked it back in one go, and ahh, yeah, it was definitely different.
Spicy food, but an even better pairing was the sweet scene right in front of me. This booze? It's like the bitterness that makes that sweetness real.
Spicy, sweet, bitter—a violently perfect combo.
Now I got why old man Gwakssi had raved about it without holding back.
The liquor itself wasn't anything special. But! It had the potential to elevate its flavor to the max under the right conditions.
Perfect.
"This is damn good. You should try some too, young master."
"Ah, sure. Thanks."
Following their caring suggestion, I popped some food in my mouth.
With light everyday chit-chat and info exchange flowing naturally, we wrapped up a satisfying lunch.
"I'll go settle the bill."
Bijong stood first, pulling a pouch from his pocket as he headed to the innkeeper.
Left alone with Yurin, an awkward silence settled in. What should I say? Just stay quiet? As I pondered internally,
"Has our Bijong ever caused you any trouble as your subordinate?"
Yurin bowed her head slightly and fidgeted before asking.
...Trouble? Oh.
I could guess what she meant. Her emotional arc—I'd seen and heard bits in the game.
"He's the type who acts before thinking, so I worry he might rub some people the wrong way."
She's basically asking me to look after him. Not about promotions or anything, but his personal safety.
"Lately, he's been so busy it's obvious, ah no, sorry, I shouldn't bring this up."
Yurin hesitated, then apologized. But there wasn't much I could do specially for them.
I was just someone working with him temporarily. Sure, the game gave me some inner fondness, but we'd only really teamed up during that last incident.
Still, I couldn't help but care. Her worry for her lover was sweet, but later on, it could become a weakness for Jo Unhyeon to exploit.
Maybe a quick heads-up wouldn't hurt?
Of course, dropping it out of nowhere might seem weird, so just light advice—better than nothing.
"Just some grandmotherly advice, if you'll indulge me."
"Pardon?"
Bijong raised his hand from afar—he must be done paying. I nodded, stood, and told her,
"Don't worry too much. Bijong's way stronger than you think. And more than anything, he seems to cherish you enough to throw everything he has away for you."
"... "
"From talking today, I don't see you as someone who throws her weight around, but if anyone tries to force something unreasonable on you, don't hesitate to drop my name or the commander's. We'll help right away."
I finished and stepped outside. That should do it. She's the overthinking type, so direct instructions might be better.
She followed behind. As we parted and she headed back to camp with Bijong,
"Thank you."
She thanked me once more.
*
"He's way different from what you described?"
Yurin shared her impressions of Yujin with Bijong.
She'd thought his glowing tales were exaggerated, but meeting him face-to-face, he seemed even more unique.
How to put it—huge build, but such an honest face? Like a giant dog you'd seen somewhere.
Of course, it was positive, not negative, but saying it straight might upset Bijong.
"He's an incredibly amazing guy!"
Bijong jumped to Yujin's defense for no reason. But he had his reasons.
The terror of many—the pirates. For Yurin and Bijong, it was a scar etched into their memories, like a lifelong brand.
But seeing those pirates tremble at the mere name of the Cannon Division? It was something even a lifelong soldier like him had never witnessed.
Like gazing upon the great generals he idolized as a kid? Watching Bijong regress to boyish excitement, Yurin chuckled softly.
"Time to head out?"
"Oh, right! Look at me spacing out."
Yurin saw him off as he belatedly buckled on his belt and sheathed his military sword before stepping out.
Work had kept him so busy lately that he'd been staying at camp. He really was working hard.
"You're going to check on the orphanage kids tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah, so I'm getting ready."
"Take it easy. Don't get hurt. Need me to carry stuff?"
"Nah, it's fine. Can't waste my big-shot husband's hands on this!"
The two shared a laugh, facing each other.
"Alright, I'm off!"
"Be careful!"
Bijong turned and went. She watched his back.
"... "
Normally she'd watch him go for ages, but after that chat with Young Master Yujin, her heart felt lighter, letting her start her routine easily.
"Guess I should get ready too?"
She hurried into motion.
A person should always stay diligent.
To keep things on schedule with just her own strength, she needed to prep ahead. Yurin began checking the stock of supplies she'd bought last time and inspecting the cart in the yard.